Theresa Dellomo, program and
development associate of Playworks thinks it is not only important, but vital
at school.

“At recess children aren’t
just being physically active, they are also learning incredible life lessons
like how to work together and resolve conflicts,” she said.

Playworks is a national
nonprofit organization that serves more than 900 schools in 23 cities in the
United States, reaching more than half a million students.

“Playworks uses the power of
play to transform children’s social and emotional health. We are changing
school culture by leveraging the power of safe, fun and healthy play at school
every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included,
be active, and build valuable skills,” Dellomo said.

The Playworks program has
been proven to reduce bullying by an average of 43 percent. In an effort to
continue that benefit, Playworks held its 6th annual Race to Reduce
Bullying 5k and Fun Run. On March 11, 500 hundred runners, walkers, parents
with strollers and volunteers came to Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray to raise money to stamp out bullying in Utah schools,
Dellomo reported.

“Bullying is a problem in
schools because students have a hard time learning when they don’t feel safe. If
a child is worried about what will happen when they see the bully, then the
child definitely isn’t thinking about what the teacher is saying or how to do
their assignments,” she said.

Kearns High School student Natalivilla
Gomez came to Playworks Fun Run and understands firsthand the need to stop
bullying.

“I think this run is great
because I personally have experienced bullying. I wanted to sign up for this
because it’s a good cause. No one likes bullying. I’ve gone through it and I
know what it feels like. I want to put an end to it,” Gomez said.

Citlali Cardenas agreed with
Gomez. Cardenas and Gomez are friends and students at Kearns High. They held a
sign at the starting line to cheer on runners.

“We are excited to be here. We’re
in a group called LIA, Latinos In Action, and this is part of our service. This
is a really great cause because there has to be a stop to bullying,” Cardenas
said.

Chad and Kashlee Fraser
agree. They came to run in the 5k with sons Ashton and Ayden Howick.

“We are here to support the
fight against bullying. We have five kids and have frequent talks about not
being bullies and standing up for people who are bullied,” Kashlee said.

“And it’s a beautiful day,”
Chad added. “We wanted to get out with our family. It’s good that people get
out and show their support.”

Because of the support of
Chad and his family, Cardenas, Gomez and hundreds of others, Playworks Race to
Reduce Bullying raised nearly $10,000 and helped bring awareness of bullying
prevention programs to the community.